Typographic matrix and production of same



Apr. 10, 1923. I

G. E. MARLATT I 1 V TYPOGRAPHIC MATRIX AND PRODUCTION OF SAME Filed May 26, 1921 2- sheet s sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Apr. 10, 1923. 1,451,170

G. E. N'IARLATT TYPOGRAPHIC MATRIX AND PRODUCTiON OF SAME Filed May 26, 1921 v 2 Sheets-Shem; 2

Patented Apr. 1%, 1923.

lit,

TYPOGRAPHIC MATRIX AND P RODUCTION OF SATEE.

Application filed; May 26,

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEORGE E. hihinn-irr, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pasadena, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Typographic Matrices and Production of Same, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates, for the purposes of this description, to matrices of the kinds employed in connection with slug casting machines such as the linotype, but it is not necessarily limited to use in such connection, as it is capable of adaptation, in several respects, to matrices employed in connection with typographic machines producing individual letters and characters as distinguished from machines producing a number of characters on a single slug. Broadly stated, its chief objective is to provide for the production of an unlimited number of fractions, as they appear in print, by employing a. very limited number of matrices for producing such fractions. Another objective is to provide for a similar economy of matrices employed in producing mathematical or other signs and symbols, characters of any kind.

Because of the impracticability of meeting the requirements for all possible fraction-forming figure combinations, manufacturing efforts have been confined to producing matrices for only the most commonlyused proper fractions. Therefore, in the practice of typography, various makeshifts must be resorted to when occasion arises for producing an unusual fraction. The result is often a lack of uniformity in style in the printed product. For example, fraction matrices, employing either the usual diagonal or horizontal line dividing the numer ator from the denominator, may be available for several fractions appearing in close proximity to each other in av printed product, but if an unusual fraction is required in the same product, the numerator and denominator must be separated by hyphen, the fraction spelled or some other makeshift resorted to, whereas correct typography dictates uniformity of style in such cases. This invent-ion is concerned with rendering such uniformity readily attainable in all contingencies.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 shows a group of matrices of the kinds pro vided for in this invention as they would 1921. Serial No. 472,833.

appear assembled in line for casting a typeslug therefrom, but with the units of the group separated for the purpose of clarity; Fig. 2 shows the casting edge of a duplex or two-character matrix group-unit and the construction thereof; Fig. 8 is a side view of a filling piece employed in the construction shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows the casting face of a matrix group-unit in which a. diagonal line separates the numerator figures from the denominator figures in a fraction, with the diagonal line formed on the insert port-ion of the matrices and the figures on the body portion thereof; Fig. 5 is a side view of the matrix group-unit shown in Fig. & and illustrates optional arrangements in opposite edges thereof for producing the diagonal lines shown in Fl 's. l and 6; Fig. 6 shows the reverse edge or one of the matrices respresented by Fig. 4:, with the diagonal line formed on the body portion of the matrix in both auxiliary and regular positions for appearance, respectively, either be low the numerator or above the denominator figures in a fraction, and with the figures formed on the insert portion of the matrix in auxiliary and regular positions for appearance, respectively, either in the denominator or numeral posit-ions in a fraction; Fig. 7 shows a matrix in which one diagonal line and one figure are ca 'ried by the body portion of a matrix and one diagonal line and one figure are carried bythe insert portion of the matrix; Fig. 8 shows the casting edge of a matrix of duplex type in which similar figures formed in duplicate on the body portion of the matrix in auxiliary and regular positions appear, respectively, in either the numerator or denominator positions in a fraction, while similar figures formed on the insert portion in auxiliary and regular positions appear, respectively, in either the denominator or numerator positions in a fraction; Fig. 9 shows a, dup ex Janus-face matrix and may be considered a side view of Fig. 8 and answering the description thereof with respect to its opposite edges, except that the insert at the right relates to means for producing accent-ed letters; Fig. 10 shows a matrix group-unit forming a fraction with one figure in the numerator position and two figures in the denominator position, with two dissimilar figures for selective use formed on the insert, and insert filling-pieces in use in co-operation with the single numerator. figure above the two denominator figures; Fig. 11 represents a matrix group-unit of duplex type in regular (left) and auxiliary (right) positions with respect to a base line, with the figures in the body and insert portions of the matrix appearing in either denominator or numerator positions according to the position of the matrix with respect to the base line; Fig. 12 represents a matrix employing two alphabetical characters, one of which ma be made to appear in superior position and the other in interior position according to the position of the matrix with respect to a base line; Fig. 13 represents a modified method of constructing a piece-fraction matrix; Fig.

let shows opposite edges and a vertical center section of a duplex J anus-faced matrix designed to produce four dissimilar characters; Fig. 15 is a rear elevation of a fragment of the matrix separating and distributing elements of a linotype machine, showing the adaptation thereto oi? matrices constructed in accordance with these specifications; Fig. 16 is a section on the line 16-16 of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a subdivision of Fig. 15; Fig. 18 is a plan view of a tool for converting stock matrices into special-purpose matrices; Fig. 19 is a section on the line 1919 of 18, but with the upper portion thereof in changed.- position; Figs. 20 and 21 are detailsot Fig. 18.

Similar figures indicate similar parts throughout the several. views of the drawings.

Linotype matrices in general commercial. use are of two kinds with respect to the number of characters on their casting namely single-character and two-character or duplex. An example of the use of ouplex matrices is found in the employment ot' a roman and. italic character on the same matrix. By presenting such a matrix in its regular or lower position to the casting slot of a mold, a roman printing character is oh tained, and by presenting it in its raised or auxiliary position an italic character is ob tained. 1 illustrates matrices of both single and duplex tvpe, the duplex matrices carrying fractions in both regular and an: A iary positions, and the single-character matrices carrying mathematical signs. The characters above the center of the matrices are in regular position and those below the center are in auxiliary position. Therefore if a matrix is raised. with respect to a base line of the casting mold, the auxiliary character will be presented to the casting cavity of the mold and the regular character will be raised above the casting cavity. These relative positions are illustrated in Figs 11 and 12, in which the space between. the dotted lines represents the casting slot of a mold. This present invention involves the employment of two similar or dissimi characters on the casting edge. of the body in regular position, one of the similar charactors on the body portion occupies the de nominator position of a traction, and with the same matrix in raised position the other similar characte' occupies the numerator position. The positions of the similar char acters on the insert portion 2 are likewise reversed by raising or lowering the matrix. It will be apparent, therefore, that a duplex matrix so employed has a two-fo d usefulness over a single-character matrix, and that twice as many matriccsoii single character type would be required to ohtain similar results. This invention also provides for the use of both edges of a matrix for casting purposes, and such a matrix in duplex type will therefore have alourd old usefu ness. For example, five such matrices, each having a different even number in duplicate on one edge and a different odd numher in duplicate on the other edge would produce any fraction having one digit only in the numerator and denominator positions, and would be capable of producing 9X9 or 99 different fractions. Five such matrices woul d therefore be complete set for such fractions. Two such sets or ten matrices would produce any fraction having not more than two digits in the numerator or denominator positions, i. e., 99x99 or 9,801 fractions. Three such sets '(15 matrices) would pro duce 9,999 9,999 or 999,001 fractions. l such sets (20 matrices) would produce 9,999 9,999 or 99,980,001 fractions. And in addition, 20 such matrices would be capable oi producing tractionshaving s many as 20 figures in either numerator or denominator, but would be limited as to the number of figures or like value which could be employed, the limitation decreasing with a decrease in the total number of like figures employed in a fraction.

In accordance with this invention, charac ters other than numbers may be employed in positions corresponding to those of numerator and denominator in a fraction. For example, Fig. 12 illustrates how a single matrix may produce a letter of the alphabet in either superior or inferior position on a type slug. Also a matrix for producing such exponent characters could be provided with. dissimilar characters on opposite edges, as, for example, italic characters on one edge and roman letters on the other edge. Also such an arrangement of characters in superior and inferior positions would be capable oi. producing ornamental, border or other characters in staggered relation by alternating the matrices in regular and auxiliary po sitions. lVhile it has not heen unusual to provide similar or dissimilar characters in rill Hill

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auxiliary and regular positions on a matrix, it is believed that the method above described for causing the characters to appear on a type-slug in inferior or superior position at will is novel. In this connection it may be stated that a character appearing on the upper half or superior position of a thick slug would be in regular or full position on a slug halt as thick, still further increasing the range of usefulness of many characters.

A further example of utility of a matrix employing the insert piece is found in the production of accented letters. The accent marks occupy but little space and it is there fore possible to place as many as tour of them on one insert for use in duplex matrices, and in connection with single-letter matrices as many as eight, in either case two accent marks appearing on each casting edge of the insert. Thus, in Fig. 9 is shown such an insert designed to be reversed end for end or side for side to produce any one of four different accents either above a letter in regular position or below a letter in auxiliary position. In this manner eight different accented letters may be produced from one edge of amatrix, andwith a (lifterent letter on the opposite edge the number would be sixteen. And since the same insertmay be transposed from edge to edge and from matrix to matrix, ten matrices each having different letters on opposite edges would be capable of producing 160 different combinations of letters and ac' cents. In the case of Janus-faced single letter matrices there would be ample room tor an insert having two accents on each of four edges and ten such matrices and one insert would therefore produce 160 different combinations, withthe accents above the letters if the single letters were in regular position and below the letters it they were in auxiliary position. An additional insert piece carrying accent marks (littering from those on the first insert would double the possibilities of the ten matrices. producing 320 combinations "from the ten matrices and two inserts.

Since accents are frequently too small to be readily read as they appear on the casting edge of thin matrices, they may be duplicated an index on the side of the insert; likewise the letter on the matrix may also be duplicated to appear and be read in its relation to a selected accent mark. Such indexes are shown in Fig. 9.

In the usual arrangement oi? linotype molds with relation to the matrices, the upper part of a character, as it appears in print. is of fixed position with relation to the slug produced from the mold, and as the slug increases in thickness according to size of type or space between lines of reading matter. the increase takes place adjacent the lower part of the characters. Therefore it is not always possible to add an accent mark to the upper edge of a slug. For example, it would be impossible to add an accent above a capital letter as the top of the letter itself is flush with the edge of the slug. A difiiculty of this kind may be readily overcome with the use of the insert piece by casting the accent on the lower edge of a slug next above the one on which the accented character occurs. Inserts may be provided with the accents variously spaced from their edges according to the space which is to appear between lines of print; or, the insert itself may be variously and selectively placed in the body of the matrix by means of an instrument hereinafter described.

The method of producing fractions having one digit in the numerator and two in the denominator, or vice versa, is illustrated in F ig. 2. In its regular position such a matrix would produce a fraction with two digits in the numerator and one in the, denominator, and in its auxiliary position would produce a fraction with one digit in the numerator and two in the denominator. Since the single digit in such an arrangement would appear onthe body portion 1- ot' the matrix, filling pieces 8 are provided for bringing the matrix to a uniform thickness equal to two of the insert portions 2. Any increase in number of the inserts 2 would ne'- cessitate'the employment ofa corresponding increase in the number of filling pieces'or their equivalent in filling pieces of increased thickness.

Fractions having diagonal lines separating the numerator from the denominator are sometimes preferred to those having horizontal dividing lines, as for example, when an occasional unusual fraction occurs in a group, the majority of which is provided for by the diagonally-divided fraction matrices in common use. Figs. 4:, 5 and 6 show two optional methods for producing .such fractions. The diagonal line may be formed on inserts occupying positions in line with either the denominator or numerator of a fraction according to whether they are to appear below the numerator or above the denominator. Such inserts may be of any desired thickness not exceeding the combined thickness of the denominator or numerator matrices with which they are employed. Fig. 4t shows such inserts of three different thicknesses. One edge of the matrix shown in Fig. 5 shows in full lines the insert appearing below the numerator in Fig. 4;. and in dotted lines the insert appearing' above the denominator. The opposite edge of Fig. 5 in connection with Fig. 6 shows the diagonal line appearing on the body portion 1 of the matrix and the digit or cipher on the insert. Thus arranged the diagonal line is below the numerator when the matrix is used in regular position and above the denominator when the matrix "is used in auxiliary position. It would also be practicable to provide one diagonal line and on digit or cipher on the body of the matrix and one diagonal line and one digit or cipher on the insert, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

The insert 2 may carry two dissimlar digits either one of which may be made to appear in the numerator position of a fraction by reversing the insert. Fig. 10 illustrates such an arrangement. The same illustration also shows the manner of employing blank inserts as filling pieces where a less number of digits appear on the insert than on the body of the matrix.

A modified form of constructing a matrix for producing piece-fractions is shown in Fig. 13. The upper 2 and lower 1 parts of a matrix thus constructed are separable one from the other for use in co-operation with the opposite portion of any other ma trix of similar construction. Such a construction is not readily adaptable to duplex matrices unless one of the characters is of fixed design and position as shown in one edge of the lower portion of Fig. 18, in which case the variable character 2 would be in service with the matrix in regular position, and the lower or constant character 1" would be in service withthe matrix in raised or auxiliary position.

I also provide for utilizing dissimilar characters in opposite edges of solid or onepiece matrices. Hyphen leaders and period leaders for optional use would be a useful combination of the kind; and Fig. 1% shows opposite edges of a duplex matrix carrying four different mathematical signs. llt is preferable that matrices carrying such commonly-used characters shall be automatically distributed in the usual manner after use. But a matrix of the usual construction if reversed to present its reverse edge to the mold of alinotype machine, could not be automatically distributed for reasons hereinafter stated. It is therefore a purpose of this invention to provide a matrix which may be used in reversed positions without interfering with its automatic distribution. Viewed in their positions as shown in Fig. 15, after being carried to the distributing elements of a linotype machine the matrices as here tofore constructed have their carrying lugs a flush with the left side of the matrix body and their distributing combinations 5 flush with their opposite side. To prevent more than one matrix at a time being lifted from the distributor box rails 7 into engagement with the distributor screws 8, the matrices are provided with a groove 6 which has heretofore appeared only on that side of a matrix which is flush with the distributing combinations 5. lhis groove varies in depth according to the thickness of the matrices so as to leave a wall 6" of uniform thickness on the lug side of all matrices, and this wall is approximately as thick as the thinnest matrices which are intended to pass through the distributor box. To co-operate with the groove 6 for preventing the lifting of two matrices at a time a blade 9, commonly called the bar point, is carried by the inner end of the combination bar 10 in the distributor box. The space between the bar point and the shoulders 11 on. the matrix supporting rails 12 is less than the thickness of two thin matrices and therefore but one matrix at a time may be'raised in front of the bar point. It is therefore apparent that thick matrices of the common construction above described could not pass the bar point in their reversed position, for the'reason that the groove 6 would be on the wrong side of the matrix and the wall formed by the groove would interefere with the bar point.

In order that the matrices may pass through the distributor box in their reversed positions, I provide for constructing them with their lugs 4, their distributing combinations 5 and the wall 6 between opposite grooves 6 (Fig. 14), all in the vertical center of the matrices and of approximately equal thickness. Therefore with the lugs 4t stopped against the shoulders 11' on the supporting rails 12 and the lugs of a thickness not greater than the distance between the bar point and the shoulders 11, the wall in the same vertical plane with the lugs will not interfere with the bar point in either of their reversed and reversible positions. Matrices thus constructed may be considered an improvement over the usual matrix hereinbefore described regardless of whether they are intended to be reversible as and for the purpose stated, for the reason that with the distributing combination in their center of gravity they will depend perpendicularly from the several combination bars from which they are successively suspended between the casting and distributing positions. The combination distributing teeth of a heavy matrix would be subject to less wear when thus suspended in balance than would result with the teeth on one sideof the matrix. When not intended to be reversible the matrices would require the groove 6 on one side only.

It will be noted that in the drawings here with certain matrices are shown provided with. distributing teeth 5 and others with out such teeth, and that those not having teeth are also without the grooves 6 and have their supporting lugs a the full thickness of the matrix, thus simplifying their construction. Such simplified matrices are not designed to be carried to the distributor box but by reason of the omission of the teeth are deposited miscellaneously in a receptacle (not shown) known as the intermediate channel quad-box. But if provided with teeth they engage the first organ of the distri utor (not shown) and are distributed either in channels of a magazine or carried beyond the channels and deposited miscellaneously in a receptacle known as a pi or sorts box. In either case if they follow each other in rapid succession and are of considerable thickness they frequently interfere one with another in entering the channels leading to the magazine or sorts box. To obviate this condition, I construct such thick matrices so that they will appear with double the usual space between them when suspended from the distributor bar 1 1 and engaged by the distributor screws 8. With this object in view, the matrices are provided with a shoulder 19 adjacent their lower edges and on one or both sides according to whether the matrices are intended to be reversible. The matrix lift 16, which rises and falls with the lift lever 15 under control of a cam 13 on the upper rear distributor screw 8 is provided as usual with a shoulder 18, the horizontal angle of which shoulder engages the lower edge of the mae trices and raises them into engagement with the distributor screws. The vertical angle of the shoulder 18 is longer than the vertical angle of the special shoulder 19 on-the matrix; therefore the lift will engage only the shoulder on the matrix when the matrix rests on the rails 12, and this engagement will not occur until the lift has moved upwardly a distance equal to the vertical depth of the shoulder on the matrix. The resultant initial movement of the matrix is not sufficient to place it in engagement with the distributor screws or to cause its lugs to clear the shoulders 11 on the rails; therefore such initial movement serves merely to can-. cel a stroke of the lift. When the lift again rises following this canceling stroke, its upper edge will engage the horizontal shoulder of the matrix and raise the matrix into engagement with the distributor screws as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 16. The matriceswill therefore appear only in alternate spirals of the distributor screws and will have double the usual distance and time between them for accomplishing the purpose above set forth. W hen matrix group-units of the kind shown in Fig. 2 are intended to pass through the distributor box, the filling pieces 3 must be provided with a slot 6 to permit the composite matrix to pass the bar point 9.

Although in these specifications my improvements are described in connection with the commonly employed single-character and duplex-character matrices, the improvements are not limited to use in such connections. In my Patent No. 1,310,487, issued July 22, 1919, means are shown and described for utilizing matrices having as many as four characters on each edge and the features of this invention are readily applicable to such matrices. Therefore, wherever reference is had herein to char acters in auxiliary position on a matrix,such reference may he understood to mean any one or more of several auxiliary positions.

in order that full advantage may be had of the improved piece-matrices herein described, provide means whereby such matrices may, in an emergency, be made from any stock matrices carrying the requisite character parts. For example, the insert pieces 2 provided with accent marks may be on hand in suflicient quantity, but a particular letter of a particular font, requiring an accent, may not be provided with the recess for receiving the insert. For any such ,cmergency involving accented or other characters or the blank filling piecesheretofore described, the punching tool illustrated in '18 to 21 may be employed. The matrix 1 is held in a frame 20 which is adjustable by means of screws 21 with reference to a scale 22 on the beveled edge of a banking block 23, in order to place the matrix in any desired position between the upper 24.- and lower 25 die elements. The stationary die 25 is embedded in a base 26, andthe punch 24 is secured in a plunger 27 carried by a swinging arm 28 mounted on a shaft 29. The arm 28 also carries a detent 80 which enters a recess 31 in the base and serves to position the punch 24in accurate register'with the die 25. The plunger 27 has a groove 32 which is engaged by a plunger arm 33., confined in a slot 8 1 of the arm 28. A spring 35keeps the arm normally in contact with a stop pin 36 for the purpose of holding the plunger in position to be struck with a mallet to drive the punch through the matrix 1. The downward stroke of the plunger is limited by contact of the mallet with the arm 28, and the extracted portion of the matrix is extruded through an opening 37 in the base 26. To remove the frame 20 which confines the matrix, the arm 28 is forced upward against a spring 38. thus disengaging the 'detent 30 and permitting the arm to be swung to a position such as shown :in Fig.18. The frame 20 is then readily removable edgewise across the recess 81 for the purpose ofremoving the matrix. A receptacle 39 formed in the base 26 is normally closed by a cover. 40 integral with the arm 28 and substitute dies and punches may be kepttherein for security against loss. Suitable plunger tools may also be provided for swaging the lugs 4 of the matrices, which frequently become sheared or worn. In such use the detent 30 is made to enter one of the recesses 11 in the base for positioning the plunger above a selected lug. When the detent isithus engaged it also looks the frame 20 in a fixed normal position, but the frame 20 may be reversed endWise for placing opposite lugs beneath the plunger. Thus, when it is desired to sWage opposite short lugs, for example, the frame would be reversed and the detent moved from one to the other of the recesses .11. WVhen the detent is in the central recess 31 the frame is free to be adjusted endwise by means of the screws 21 according to the font size or other characteristics of the matrix'which is to be punched, but transversely it is held in constant position between the detent and the banking element 23. v

When a matrix of the common, usual type is punched in opposite edges or for other reasons is to be reversed in the distributor box as hereinbefore described, it is necessary to cut the usual font distinguishing notch 42 in the opposite side of the longitudinal center of the matrix. in order that the additional notch may be accuratelv located, index or guide notches 43 may be iormed on the frame 20 and the desired notch located relative to a selected guide notch.

Having described my intention, its use and production, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent oi the United States, is as follows:-

1. A typographic matrix having characters in regularand auxiliary positions on the body portion thereof, a recess between said. regular and auxiliary positions capable of receiving an insert part, and an insert part for said recess having characters in position to co-operate with the characters on the body portion of the matrix for forming composite characters in both of said regular and auxiliary positions.

2. A typographic matrix having characters in regular and auxiliary positions on opposed edges of the body portion thereof, a recess between said regular and auxiliary positions capable of receiving an insert part, and an insert part for said recess having characters in position to co-operate with the characters on the body portion of the matrix for forming composite characters in both of said regular and auxliary positions.

3. A typographic matrix having constant and variable portions, co-operating character-parts on each of said portions, the character-part on the constant portion being positioned to produce a corresponding charcter in superior position on a printing slug, and the character on the variable portion being positioned to produce a character in interior position on a. printing slug.

4:. A Janus-faced typographic matrix having constant and variable portions, co-opcrating character-parts on each of said portions, the character-part on the constant portion being positioned to produce a corre sponding character in superior position on a printing slug, and the character on the maniac variable portion being positioned to produce 7 a character in superior position on a printing slug.

6. A typographic matrix divided into upper and lower interlocking portions, each of said portions carrying one part of a variable printing character and each portion being capable of association with a selected 0p- ,posite portion for the purpose of varying said printing character.

7. A typographic matrix having constant and variable portions, characters in regular and auxilary positions on the edge thereof, one part of the character in regular posi tion being on the constant portion and the other on the variable portion of the matrix, and one part or said character in auxiliary position being on the constant portion and the other part on the variable portion of the matrix.

8. A typographic matrix having constant and variable portions, characters in regular and auxilary positions on opposite edges thereof, one part of the character in regular position being on the constant portion and the other on the variable portion of the matrix, and one part of said character in auxiliary position being on the constant portion and the other part on the variable portion of the matrix.

9. A typographic matrix composed of a constant and a variable portion for forming a composite character, one part of said character being on the constant portion of the matrix and the other part on the variable portion, the variable portion having difi'er-' .it character parts on different edges thereof and each capable of being placed in selective co-operation With the character-part on the constant portion or" the martix.

10. A typographic matrix having a character in regular and auxiliary positions thereon, the character in one of said positions being capable of producing a printing character in superior position on a typeslug and the character in the other oi said positions being capable of producing a printing character in interior position on a typeslug, selectively, according to Whether the matrix is employed in regular or auxiliary position.

11. A composite typographic matrix having a constant portion carrying one or more character-parts thereon, and a variable portion having dissimilar character-parts on opposite sides of its center and capable of beseparable parts each carrying a variant of ing reversed to place either of such characthe characters capable of being produced. i ter-parts in character-forming relation to a In testimony WhereoI I have affixed my character-part on the constant portion of signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

the matrix. GEORGE E. MARLATT.

12. A typographic matrix for producing Witnesses: variable composite characters on a printing ETHEL H. ROGERS,

slug, said matrix being divided into two CHAS. P. MURRAY. 

